CompTIA Volley

Carolyn and Seth talk with Steve Petryschuk, Technology Advocate at Auvik, about some of the latest trends in network management based on data from Auvik's Network Field Report 2021. Steve talks about the importance of network visibility, especially as companies move to more remote work, and he also discusses the need for network engineers to communicate, especially as applications encounter downtime beyond their control. He also discusses the balance of proactive and reactive work and how companies can utilize third parties to find the correct balance. Auvik's Network Field Report 2021: auvik.com/networkfield21

Carolyn and Seth welcome Kelly Stone, CompTIA's senior director of digital strategy, for a discussion on how social media has evolved. The conversation starts at a high level, touching on the different parts of social media that have been underestimated, then moves into best practices for businesses. Rather than treating social media as a separate initiative, companies should be sure that their social efforts are integrated with overall marketing and content plans. For more, check out Kelly's post on the CompTIA World blog: https://connect.comptia.org/blog

Carolyn and Seth start the show with a lightning round covering the GameStop stock saga, Jeff Bezos stepping down as CEO of Amazon, and the Apple-Facebook feud over privacy. Then they turn their attention to CompTIA's latest data on managed services. While most MSPs seem to have weathered the COVID storm successfully, there have been changes to pricing model and a shift to higher-level services. MSPs are also getting more serious about their own cybersecurity so that they do not become an entry point for hackers to access all their clients.

Carolyn and Seth talk with Mark Brigman, founder and CEO of Partnernomics, about building successful partner programs. As the value of partnering has shifted away from pure distribution of physical products, there are new considerations that must go into growing through partnerships. From finding partners to aligning goals, Mark talks about the different aspects of partnering in a digital environment. Partnernomics: https://partnernomics.com/

Carolyn and Seth discuss the Solarwinds attack that has affected a wide range of companies. For both MSPs and end users, there are many things to consider, starting with the need to take extra action to verify technology products. Thanks to the potential for cyberattacks to now spread to so many companies, there is a pressing need to share information across a broad network. In addition, companies are working on building out their cybersecurity function, including a larger focus on dedicated skills. The CompTIA ISAO provides an avenue for networking, and CompTIA training and certs provide opportunities for individuals looking for new career options. CompTIA ISAO: https://www.comptiaisao.org/ CompTIA Cybersecurity Career Info: https://www.comptia.org/content/it-careers-path-roadmap/cybersecurity-specialist

Carolyn and Seth take a look back at the big tech stories of 2020. Without dwelling too much on COVID or elections, there were plenty of other things happening. Whether it was ripple effects of the pandemic (like rapid digital transformation), stories that slid under the radar (like the Tiktok saga), or things that were notable by their absence (like massive product announcements), 2020 was a year that dramatically changed the technology industry.

Carolyn and Seth take a look at the changes that have taken place in the business world due to COVID and share their opinions on whether those changes will stick or be reversed when the pandemic finally comes to a close. From workplace dynamics to business travel to employee relations, the post-pandemic choices will not necessarily be driven by a single factor such as finances. There are many variables to consider, and businesses will have to think carefully about how they balance their options.

Carolyn and Seth take a look at CompTIA's latest research, the IT Industry Outlook for the upcoming year. As always, the Outlook report covers 10 trends that CompTIA expects to define the year ahead. The discussion in the podcast covers a few of these--the fact that there is no normal, the dynamics taking place in the IT channel, the focus on zero trust cybersecurity, and the need for professional skills to complement technical skills. The two also talk about the budgets that IT pros expect to be working with in the year ahead and the plans by channel firms to grow business opportunities within their existing set of clients. IT Industry Outlook 2021: https://www.comptia.org/content/research/it-industry-outlook-2021

Carolyn and Seth welcome Randy Gross, CompTIA's CIO and EVP of Certification Operations, for the annual holiday episode. For Halloween, the scary thing about tech is the lack of trust that people have in the technology industry and the difficulty companies will have in building that trust. For Thanksgiving, there is gratitude for the way technology has been able to support work, school, and life in the midst of a global pandemic. And for the end of the year, the wish list item is for the technology industry to focus more on societal needs such as rural broadband or climate change.

Carolyn and Seth give their review of the technology issues that should be considered by candidates running for office in the upcoming U.S. election. Breaking up huge tech companies seems to be on the mind of many candidates and officials, but simply breaking up companies might not get at the root issue. Instead, new forms of regulation need to be considered. Cybersecurity and data privacy are two specific areas that need attention, with data acting as personal currency for the digital economy. Another critical issue is the inclusion of broadband access in any plans for national infrastructure. Finally, climate change and the shifts to sustainable resources have a technology component.

Carolyn and Seth welcome James Stanger back to the podcast to talk about the state of cybersecurity for National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. James is CompTIA's Chief Technology Evangelist, and he discusses some of the findings in CompTIA's new research, including the structure of today's security teams the adoption of a zero trust framework. Then he talks about how companies are dealing with privacy as they rely more and more on data for their offerings and products. State of Cybersecurity 2020 research: https://www.comptia.org/content/research/cybersecurity-trends-research

Carolyn and Seth wrap up the series on the trajectory of technology with a look at workforce enablement. Companies have found that they are able to be productive with a remote workforce, but they can't always get the same level of innovation or networking. Moving forward, businesses will have to make decisions about their strategy and their culture, then they will have to find technology that enables both productivity and the pieces that typically come from face to face interactions. Fast Company article on remote work: https://www.fastcompany.com/90545523/working-from-anywhere-is-possible-but-not-sustainable?partner=feedburner&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+fastcompany%2Fheadlines+%28Fast+Company%29

Carolyn and Seth continue their series on the future trajectory of technology with a look at automation. As a natural next step after integration, companies are becoming more interested in automation as a way to both maximize their workforce efforts and create resiliency in their operations. While automation has traditionally been difficult because of the complexity of the tasks being automated, new technology such as artificial intelligence can help cover this complexity. Using AI is not always turnkey, though, and companies must consider the additional measures they will take in order to ensure that automation is happening properly.

Carolyn and Seth start a three-part series looking at the trajectory of technology. As the COVID pandemic continues, businesses are beginning to recognize that there is a new tech strategy to follow. Pieces of this strategy were in place before the pandemic, but they have taken on greater importance. Part 1 of this series looks at integration, a task that is certainly not new but is more critical than ever and has new metrics for success.

Carolyn and Seth speak with Juan Fernandez, VP of Managed IT Services at ImageNet Consulting, about various pathways in the IT industry. First, Juan talks about his own path into an IT career and how certifications are playing a more critical role for candidates seeking technology jobs. Then he discusses the path ahead for the IT industry, examining the way companies are accelerating their digital transformation efforts and planning on more cloud solutions, integration, and automation.

Carolyn and Seth take a look ahead at CompTIA's ChannelCon event. Running August 5-7, the virtual event covers the dynamics of the IT industry, the thought leadership of CompTIA's membership communities, and the future of emerging technology. See the full agenda and register for free at www.channelcon.com.

Carolyn and Seth talk with CompTIA CEO Todd Thibodeaux about what lies ahead for business and technology. The COVID-19 pandemic has created massive disruption, but there is also massive opportunity to rethink how things get done and how to use technology more strategically. Todd discusses the transition to remote work, the ripple effects of changes across different industries, and the skills that tech workers need for success in the future.

Carolyn and Seth celebrate Volley's 100th episode by looking back at some of their favorite shows. From the first episode talking about cloud computing to the post-pandemic episode talking about remote work, the show has evolved along with the IT industry. Thanks to everyone who's listened and supported us!

Carolyn and Seth discuss the latest whitepaper from CompTIA, "The Role of Emerging Technology in Digital Transformation." A focus on emerging technology is a key part of strategic IT, and both IT professionals and technology firms need to take a new approach. With the basic computing platform well established, the next phase of IT is Artisan IT, where complex solutions are built with emerging components. There is also a major impact on skills, where new skills will be added to many existing roles. The Role of Emerging Technology in Digital Transformation: https://www.comptia.org/content/whitepapers/the-role-of-emerging-technology-in-digital-transformation

Carolyn and Seth welcome Cinnamon Rogers, CompTIA's Executive VP of Public Advocacy, to discuss what her team is focused on during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cinnamon discusses the efforts to include IT provisions in the COVID stimulus packages, the efforts to communicate workplace guidelines across all 50 states, and the future opportunities to conduct policy business from the new office in Washington DC.

Carolyn and Seth welcome Frank Vitagliano, CEO of Global Technology Distribution Council, to talk about the changes taking place in IT distribution. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted this market segment along with the rest of the economy, but the evolution of IT distribution was taking place for years beforehand. Frank talks about the rapid transition to safe operations during COVID, the ongoing transformation of distribution due to cloud computing, and the ability of distributors to assist with solution provider partnering and financing. Global Technology Distribution Council (GTDC): https://gtdc.org/

Carolyn and Seth welcome back Randy Gross, CompTIA's CIO and EVP of Certification Operations, to discuss CompTIA's recent pivot to online testing. As with most companies, CompTIA needed to move quickly to adjust to the reality of the pandemic, but solid preparation for a future that included online testing provided a good foundation for success. Randy talks through the details of CompTIA's transition, then the conversation shifts to the broader implications for the future of education. Learn more about CompTIA's online testing: https://www.comptia.org/testing/testing-options/take-online-exam Look for Carolyn and Seth's new weekly show on CompTIA's LinkedIn account (starting May 11): https://www.linkedin.com/company/comptia/

Carolyn and Seth talk with MJ Shoer, the executive director of the CompTIA Information Sharing and Analysis Organization (CompTIA ISAO, formerly Technology Solution Provider Information Sharing and Analysis Organization or TSP-ISAO), about the state of managed services during the COVID-19 pandemic. MJ covers the ups and downs for MSPs as they continue to work with their clients and the opportunities they should be exploring as they plan for the future.

Carolyn and Seth welcome Tim Herbert, CompTIA's executive vice president of research, to discuss the new IT employment report. Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Burning Glass Labor Insights, CompTIA compiles a monthly report looking at both employment in the high tech industry and employment of technology professionals across all industries. While the April report may not capture the most recent disruptions from the coronavirus outbreak, it shows some resilience among technology professions. Tim discusses the sectors that have seen the biggest impacts, the reliance on technology skills for transforming business process, and the specific technology roles that remain in high demand. CompTIA's April IT Employment Tracker: https://www.slideshare.net/comptia/comptia-it-employment-tracker-april-2020 CompTIA resources for displaced workers: https://www.comptia.org/resources/coronavirus-(covid-19)-and-tech-for-displaced-workers Technologist Talk podcast: https://blubrry.com/technologisttalk/

Carolyn and Seth tackle a topic on everyone's mind: remote work. With so many people working remotely thanks to COVID-19, there are a lot of challenges for both businesses and employees in staying productive. The two hosts share their own personal experiences with working remotely, talking through technology issues, physical setup, and the fact that the right path is different for everyone. Other CompTIA resources on remote work: Your Computer Networking Checklist: 10 Things to Prepare for Remote Work: https://www.comptia.org/blog/computer-networking-checklist-for-remote-workforce Connecting Your Newly Remote Workforce: 4 Things Companies Need to Do Now: https://www.comptia.org/blog/how-companies-can-connect-newly-remote-employees LinkedIn Live discussion with Randy Gross and James Stanger: https://www.linkedin.com/video/live/urn:li:ugcPost:6647930710990565376/

Carolyn and Seth take a look at CompTIA's new research, Trends in Managed Services. The managed services space has become very complex, with most firms offering a wide variety of options for clients beyond the management and automation of routine services. Two areas of specialized growth are Internet of Things and security, where companies are looking for strategic consulting and solutions that might not fit the strict definition of a managed service. Whatever name it goes by, companies that are driving the business of technology have many opportunities. Trends in Managed Services report: https://www.comptia.org/content/trends-in-managed-services

Carolyn and Seth review CompTIA's newest research, Trends in Data Management. The study looks at the capabilities companies have around managing their data, from sourcing to processing to analytics and security. The conversation also covers the use of blockchain and other digital ledger technologies for data activities, with these tools currently in an early hype phase but likely becoming foundational components in the future. Trends in Data Management: https://www.comptia.org/content/research/data-management-trends-survey

Carolyn and Seth talk about software development with Sarah Mei, Software Architect and Director of Design System Enablement at Salesforce. The conversation begins with a quick look at the software problems in the Iowa caucus system, then moves into a discussion of code schools as a method for filling the software development pipeline, then concludes with questions of how ethics are becoming a more critical part of software development.

Carolyn and Seth have a discussion around privacy in the wake of the recent focus on Apple's encryption capabilities. Even though there are conflicting sentiments from both businesses and consumers, determining the level of transparency is a key part of a modern data strategy.

Carolyn and Seth talk with Jim Hamilton, CompTIA's vice president of member communities, about the structure of CompTIA communities and the plans these communities have in 2020. CompTIA's member communities are collections of technology professionals focused on certain technologies, business models, and workforce issues. In addition, CompTIA serves member needs globally with four existing regional communities and more coming in the next year. To learn more about CompTIA communities and to join: https://www.comptia.org/membership/communities-and-councils

For the last episode of 2019, Carolyn and Seth take a look back at the biggest tech trends of the past decade. From cloud/mobile changing IT infrastructure to social changing the fabric of society to security becoming a constant moving target, the technology industry matured from a niche player to a dominant industry. The two hosts share their thoughts on these topics and predict how this decade will be remembered.

Carolyn and Seth take a look back at the year in tech, discussing the adoption (or lack thereof) of emerging technologies, the rise in importance of cybersecurity, the need for deeper discussions around complex issues, and the opportunities for a diverse group of people seeking technology careers.

Carolyn and Seth review CompTIA's IT Industry Outlook 2020, which has a fresh new design. Along with ten trends for the new year and the statistics around the size and growth of the industry, this report looks at the priorities of IT professionals and the changes taking place within technology firms. The discussion covers some of the most interesting takeaways, including new aspects of workforce diversity, the need to avoid tech-washing, the difference between the impact tech is having and financial growth, the importance of foundational skills for IT pros, and the new challenges tech firms face in dealing with customers. View the full report on the CompTIA website: https://www.comptia.org/content/research/it-industry-trends-analysis

Carolyn and Seth welcome Randy Gross, CompTIA's CIO and Executive VP of Certification Operations, for the annual holiday episode. The group covers one thing in technology that is scary (the industry's disconnect from real-world impact), one thing to be thankful for (the people who drive the industry forward), and one thing on the wish list (for the good news about technology to outweigh the bad).

Carolyn and Seth welcome Spencer Bone, director of marketing at CompTIA, to discuss the new individual membership programs at CompTIA. CompTIA now offers memberships for IT professionals and students to help people start and build IT careers, and Spencer describes the opportunities and benefits available to members. CompTIA membership website: https://www.comptia.org/membership/it-pro

Carolyn and Seth welcome Ian Thornton-Trump, head of cybersecurity for Amtrust International, to discuss the major cybersecurity issues he sees in the market as Cybersecurity Awareness Month takes off. Ian talks about how digital transformation efforts have been too slow to bring cybersecurity to the table, how cybersecurity needs to shift from cost center to business enabler, and the role of third parties in providing cybersecurity. For more, read CompTIA's Cybersecurity for Digital Operations research report: https://www.comptia.org/resources/cybersecurity-for-digital-operations

Carolyn and Seth follow up on the announcement of the iPhone11 by examining the state of enterprise mobility. The topic is not nearly as hot as it once was, but companies are still struggling with integration. Rather than focusing heavily on management of devices, enterprise mobility should be focused on the new workflows that can be created by integrating applications across multiple platforms.

Carolyn and Seth give a preview of CompTIA's upcoming State of the Channel research. In its eighth iteration, this study looks at the sentiment of channel firms as the economy and the use of technology change. Emerging trends are presenting new possibilities, but solution providers may not have all the skills needed to translate these trends into business applications. As they go through their own digital transformation, many firms are also getting serious about marketing efforts as an avenue for growth. CompTIA's 8th State of the Channel study will be available on comptia.org in late September.

Carolyn and Seth give a preview of CompTIA's upcoming research report on cybersecurity. Companies are showing signs that their security is improving, but there still may need to be a cultural shift at many firms towards treating cybersecurity as an ongoing operational concern. Especially for small businesses, the formation of a dedicated cybersecurity team--whether that is internal or external--is key to properly securing assets in a digital business environment. The new cybersecurity research report will be available on comptia.org in September.

Fresh off a great ChannelCon event, Carolyn and Seth discuss the naming that is used in the technology industry. The early days of the industry that were marked by physical distribution led to names that don't always apply in a far more complex ecosystem, and using broader terms or thinking about the problem from the bottom up can lead to environments that are more applicable to a broad range of technology firms.

Carolyn and Seth welcome back Nancy Hammervik, CompTIA's EVP of Industry Relations, to discuss the upcoming issue of CompTIA World. This issue focuses on Tech for Good, featuring examples of technology companies contributing to some of the major issues that society is facing. There are workforce implications, as new technology replaces some jobs but creates opportunities to manage the solutions in an ethical way. Nancy also talks about CompTIA's member of the year, Angel Pineiro, and his passion around enabling a new and diverse tech workforce. The new issue of CompTIA World will be available at ChannelCon and will go online at www.comptia.org the week of August 4.

Carolyn and Seth welcome John Tippett, VP of Product at Datto Networking, to talk about some of the main themes that emerged at this year's DattoCon event. John talks about the increased investment activity taking place in the MSP space, the need for MSPs to improve their cybersecurity approach, and the importance of networking as emerging technologies continue to hit the market.

Carolyn and Seth give a preview of CompTIA's ChannelCon event, taking place August 5-7 in Las Vegas. With attendees coming from technology vendors, managed service providers, and IT departments, there will be lively conversations around emerging technology, customer experience, and skills. For more information on the event and to register, visit the ChannelCon website www.channelcon.com

To kick off Volley's fourth year, Carolyn and Seth welcome back Dave Sobel, the Sr. Director of MSP Evangelism at Solarwinds. Dave shares his thoughts around the most overrated and most underrated topics in the IT industry and what companies can do to avoid pitfalls or capitalize on opportunities. Dave's podcast Killing IT: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-killing-it-podcast/id1463295432

Carolyn and Seth give a preview of CompTIA's upcoming research on customer experience (CX). This research looks specifically at the way that IT companies are evolving their CX practices, including new technology, new skills, or new mindsets. The CX research will be available on comptia.org in mid-June.

Carolyn and Seth talk about CompTIA's new research on artificial intelligence. The idea of AI has been around for a while, and most of computing is some form of mimicking human behavior, but there is still a recent shift in the type of decision-making computers are able to do. The new research, which consists of a broad survey and targeted interviews, examines how current AI is different from traditional software programming and what issues businesses should consider as they seek to integrate AI capabilities. AI research reports available 5/24 at comptia.org.

Carolyn and Seth take a look at where the overall tech industry is from a growth cycle perspective. On one hand, there are elements of maturity, such as the amount of integration into society and the scale of modern technology. On the other hand, there are elements of the tech industry that will never fully stabilize, since technology is more of a platform than most other industries. These factors dictate how much regulation might affect the industry and how much tech companies should be considering their role moving forward.

Carolyn and Seth welcome David Hyman, President of the Center for Technology and Workforce Solutions, to talk about the steps needed to best prepare candidates for the tech jobs of the future. David discusses how professional competencies like communication and teamwork should be thought of as foundational skills and how technical breadth is important for launching into a wide variety of tech careers. Center for Technology and Workforce Solutions site: www.ctwsolutions.org

Carolyn and Seth welcome Teresa Varela, CompTIA's Director of Workforce Development, to talk about the IT skills gap. Teresa shares her experience in talking with employers about the skills they are looking for and the actions they are taking to build those skills. CompTIA's A+ certification is a prime tool for employers building both a strong foundation of technical skills and also the employability skills that help technical workers be more integrated with the business. This episode is a complement to the CompTIA webinar "Insights from the Industry: Transforming Tech Talent with CompTIA A+"

Carolyn and Seth welcome Cristina Greysman, the chair of CompTIA's Advancing Women in Technology community, to discuss the problem of diversity and inclusion in the high-tech industry. On this podcast, they take a look at CompTIA's research to describe the lack of diversity and the fact that companies may be overestimating their efforts in this space. The conversation continues on CompTIA's Women TechCast, where the three discuss possible approaches that can help drive better diversity of thought for businesses. CompTIA's Diversity in the High-Tech Industry study: https://www.comptia.org/resources/technology-diversity-research Women TechCast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/comptia-women-techcast/id1341769443?mt=2